Despite his background in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Bologna and an experimental thesis in Mitochondrial Biology carried out at the Institute of Neurological Sciences, Cristiano decided to shift his focus towards marine ecology and environmental conservation, driven by a strong interest in these fields. He is currently a FishMed PhD student, involved in an environmental monitoring project that investigates the dynamic management of marine areas designated for the disposal of port sediments and their effects on benthic fauna. Among his passions are recreational scuba diving, science communication, and environmental education, with a particular commitment to the protection of the sea and its resources
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.
